Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day

Candy is on sale, there are remnants of red nail polish on my nails and single people are more bitter than usual. All signs point to the fact that Valentine’s Day has just passed.
Honestly, I can see why Valentine’s Day often leaves a bitter taste in people’s mouths. The day often revolves around couple’s flaunting their relationships and companies shoving chocolate and love down our throats. Valentine’s Day has developed a negative connotation, but taking a closer look, Valentine’s Day should be and can be celebrated by everyone.
To preface, I am single. In fact, this is my second Valentine’s Day as part of the single ladies’ club (shout out to Beyonce), yet I still love Valentine’s Day.
Society and capitalism have made Valentine’s Day about romantic love and buying giant teddy bears, however, Valentine’s Day revolves around all love. If you didn’t know, there are many types of love and relationships that can be appreciated, like platonic love, familial love and self love.
I am a firm believer that things are what you make them. The same thing applies with Valentine’s day.
Last year, instead of wallowing in self pity about being newly single, I bought myself flowers and bought flowers for my best friend. My mom sent me chocolate covered strawberries and my friend in Lincoln sent me a care package. As an RA, I handed out cookies to all of my residents.
I took the time to appreciate the people in my life and I had a fantastic day.
Another argument that I hear every year against Valentine’s Day is that if you do love someone, you should tell them everyday. Yes, we should appreciate those we love every single day, but life gets hectic. Sometimes I forget to wash my hair, let alone tell everyone important in my life how much I love them. Is it that bad to have a day dedicated to letting those around you know how you feel?
For those skeptical about Valentine’s Day, let’s look at another holiday: Mother’s Day.
You should appreciate your mother everyday, but yet we still celebrate Mother’s Day. I’m sure your mother has never rejected a day devoted to you showering her with love and presents. And while everyone may not have a significant other on Valentine’s Day, not everyone has a mother or a healthy relationship with their mother.
Now for my single ladies (and men) out there, you do have to remember that it is OK to be single. No one is pressuring you to be in a relationship or pressuring you to find love. Valentine’s Day is not dedicated to shaming single people, it is meant to celebrate love. You may see Valentine’s Day ads everywhere and aisles full of Valentine’s products, and yes, that may make you feel left out. But just stop and think of how it feels to be a part of literally any other religion during Christmastime.
Society as a whole needs to stop looking at Valentine’s Day as an obligation that shames those not in a relationship, but as a day to celebrate those around you and those who bring love and happiness into your life. Love is something to be celebrate.